Notes from

novelty gift marketing

We created this space to share our insights, opinions, creative exercises, and because our web developer told us we needed it for SEO.

(Mostly the first part.) (Okay, half and half.)

Can the Chia Pet Make a Comeback? We Say Ch-Ch-Ch-Yes | Novelty Brand Strategy

Semiserious2026-09-02T22:16:10-05:00Can They Brand That?®|

[FYI: This episode was recorded before we rebranded from Obedient Agency to Semiserious Agency.] Chia Pets is a 50-year-old brand and culturally iconic. Can humor marketing give them a new generation of fans? In this episode, see Semiserious's best brand strategy ideas for the world's most recognizable novelty gift. So don’t tell your succulents, but our ...

We Built a Pet Stick Brand That’s Dumber and Funnier Than Pet Rock | Novelty Gift Marketing

Semiserious2026-08-13T20:43:52-05:00Can They Brand That?®|

The Pet Rock sold millions, so what about...a Pet Stick? We're building the complete brand strategy for the world's most low-effort pet live. Watch Semiserious take on the novelty gift market: what made the Pet Rock @petrock6238 work, how to position a competitor, naming a product that's literally just a stick, and how to make ...